Japan is dealing with rising cases of a disease caused by a rare “flesh-eating bacteria” that can kill people within 48 hours.

• Health authorities have reported over 1,000 cases of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) as of early June, higher than the record 941 cases reported for all of 2023.
• At the current rate of infection, experts fear the number of cases in Japan could reach 2,500 this year.

About the disease

• First symptoms of STSS often include fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea and vomiting, according to the CDC. After 24 to 48 hours, low blood pressure typically develops and can cause more serious issues, including organ failure, increased heart rate and rapid breathing.
• "Even with treatment, STSS can be deadly. Out of 10 people with STSS, as many as 3 people will die from the infection," the CDC stated.
• STSS is caused by toxins released by Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as Group A Streptococcus (GAS), which commonly cause sore throat and skin infections, said Dr. Céline Gounder, an infectious diseases expert and CBS News medical contributor.